In January, the museum completed work on a ramp connecting the entrance level of the museum to its second level, which features Water Works, the Ed Westcott Room, and the auditorium.

"It's made a big difference," Julie said, remarking on what her husband can do during his volunteer hours at the museum.

"It's so much more accessible," Bob said. "This is very nice even for people who just have problems going up and down stairs," he said.

In April 2008, the museum began raising funds for the $15,000 project with a concert at the Grove Theater featuring folk music legend John McCutcheon. In addition to the money from the concert, the Frances Alexander Foundation, the Jeremiah Kaplan Foundation, and Walmart of Oak Ridge contributed enough money to finish the ramp. Architect Pat McMillan donated his time to design the ramp.

Before the first ramp was completed, three of the museum's four levels were accessible only from outdoor ramps, with one level totally inaccessible to the disabled. The museum is now making plans to raise the money needed for two more ramps to make all four levels accessible from the interior of the museum.

The new ramp has also made it easier for parents with young children in strollers to access all four levels of the museum.

"We come here about four times a month," Oak Ridge resident Melissa Gunter said. She brings her daughters, 4-year-old Georgia and Chloe, 2.

"I couldn't come here alone before," Melissa said. She explained that she always had to come with a friend so she'd have an extra pair of adult hands to help her move the stroller, via the stairs, from one level to the next.

"They love the dollhouse room and the slide room," Melissa said of her daughters. "Now, we'll be able to enjoy it even more."

Former Children's Museum employee Allen McBride helped initiate the process that led to the construction of the first ramp. Plans call for two more ramps to be built as enough money is raised.

"I used the concert to get the ball rolling," McBride said.

McBride produced a John McCutcheon concert last year that raised initial funds for the wheelchair ramp project, and he is bringing the performer back for a second concert this weekend.

Fundraising to build the next two ramps will begin with the second concert featuring McCutcheon at the Grove Theater at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $18 in advance and $23 at the door, and are available by calling the Children's Museum at (865) 482-1074, by visiting www.cumberlandmusic.org, or at The Ferrell Shop in Jackson Square. Support from local businesses and individuals is also welcome, organizers said.

The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge was conceived in 1973 as a Girl Scout project. It was formally opened on March 11, 1973, in the library of the former Jefferson Junior High School in 2,000 square feet of space and later moved to the former Highland View Elementary School in January 1974. The museum purchased the building and land from the city of Oak Ridge in 1983 and now operates in 54,000 square feet with exhibits, classes and programs for all ages.

Leean Tupper can be contacted at (865) 220-5501.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.